Exploring a Bird's-eye View

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Up, up, and away!
I love take-offs and landings because I can observe the passing landscape from on high. I'm a self-confessed window-seat junkie, and can put up a fight to get my spot. When the moment of lift-off (or descent) comes, I'll put my face a centimeter from the window and open my eyes as wide as they'll go to take in the idyllic landscape as it unrolls. Hands down, that's the best moment in every flight.

When it comes to the 'Island of the Gods' the experience is even more special, as Bali has a breathtaking panorama both from the ground and in the air. It would be a crime not to capture a view of Bali from such an exhilarating angle.

If you're like me and your struggles to get a window seat do not come to a good end, don't worry! Of course you could just wait for your next flight over Bali, but if you need a more immediate fix, Bali Eye Balloon can lift you up to 100m to take in the epic beauty of the island.


Located in the BTDC complex of Nusa Dua, Bali Eye has an enormous, colorful balloon that's anchored to the ground. Moreover, this bird's-eye adventure is worth trying because only 25 balloons like this exist in the world. The one in Bali has a diameter of 24m.

First, it's a good idea to wish for good weather on a shooting star the night before your ride, since the balloon will not operate in strong winds or bad weather. Even if the weather seems fine to you, actual winds at floating altitude can be dangerous for the flight. Just listen to the professionals - it's the best we can do for our own safety. Be sure not to forget to bring your camera or camcorder of choice, or at least binoculars.

The weather got in my way on my first visit, but I finally got my chance to go aloft on my second attempt.The day was bright, but not enough to give it a sunny forecast, with overcast skies grey enough to send drops of rain down to earth. I was a bit worried that I would not be able to take off in the balloon imported from England.

Lady Luck was working with me, though, and the pilot decided that it was safe for take off because wind speeds were normal. Slowly but surely, the balloon lifted into the air with its ring-shaped gondola, where up to 30 passengers can stand and enjoy the flight.

On the way up, the balloon rocked a little to the left and right, and it felt like we were on a boat floating upon an undulating ocean.

As soon as we left the ground, my focus shifted from my fluttering stomach to the postcard view of Bali. Good news! We can walk freely in the gondola, so we can take in the view from any and every angle we wish: the curving, green peninsula surrounded by blue water; the western and southern coasts of Bali bordered by cliffs and stretches of golden sand; the vivid, lush forest of Uluwatu; and the hotels and houses in Nusa Dua and beyond that gives an added touch to the colors of nature.

Even though we cannot see the full extent of the island, 12 minutes of floating in air still offers a spectacular view of one gorgeous part of Bali.